In our hearts, in our lives, in the way we are church together, it is the new creation that we proclaim, demonstrate and celebrate, a new creation brought about by the cross of Christ. It has not been brought about by our efforts, our accomplishments, or by our forebears but by the sacrificial work of God in Christ alone.

It is vitally important that Christians see themselves as exiles and aliens rather than primarily as American citizens. Only as exiles and aliens can we live and love in the world in the remarkably compassionate way of Christ, especially in extraordinarily conflicted times. Nichama Tee has done extensive research into the character of the people who rescued Jews from the Nazis, risking their own lives in the process. She was lecturing recently and after the lecture the audience was given an opportunity to ask questions. One person made mention of Christian rescuers. Tee replied, "Only a certain kind of Christian became a rescuer." And was kind was that? It was the Christians who were less well integrated in their society, independent and willing to stand up for those in need. In other words, the Christian rescuer was not an ordinary citizen but what Paul called an exile and alien.

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Yes, we still live in this world, this old creation. For us in this congregation the part of the old creation we live in is America. In some ways we Christians live in America as Jews lived in Babylon in exile during the prophet Jeremiah's time. Jews were taken into captivity after Jerusalem fell to the Babylonian army in 587 BC. Speaking to them the Word of God, Jeremiah told them to trust and obey God, continuing to be a distinctive, set apart people. They weren't suppose to lose their identity by being absorbed into Babylonian society. But on the other hand, they were to care for the well-being of Babylon. They were to live among the Babylonians peacefully, productively, prayerfully. Though their hearts were elsewhere, they were to have families and raise their children and work fruitfully for good right there in that foreign land. God's word to them was this: "Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."

We, too, need to seek the welfare of the land where we live. Though as Christians we are to be a distinctive, transformed people, we are to live and work side by side with all others in America. We are to affirm the good we find and contribute to society in positive and constructive ways in keeping with our faith. And we need to pray on behalf of the nation and pray for the leaders that they might be clear-sighted and compassionate for the good of all. I think of the instructions given to the young minister Timothy by his mentor Paul, who said, "I urge that supplication, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). America certainly needs our prayers, as do all nations, so that harmony might prevail.